Nasal rinsing, also known as nasal irrigation, is an effective way to clear out nasal passages and treat congestion, colds, and allergies. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nasal irrigation devices, such as neti pots, bulb syringes, squeeze bottles, and battery-operated pulsed water devices, are safe to use and are effective in cleaning congested sinuses.
While knowing how to perform nasal rinsing is crucial, it is also important to use water that is clean, distilled, and sterile, as it can increase the risk of certain infections, the health body emphasised. We at OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Joydeep Ghosh, Consultant - Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, to understand the potential dangers of using unsterilised water for nasal rinsing and what can be done to ensure safety.
Potential Dangers Of Nasal Rinsing With Unsterilised Tap Water
According to Dr Ghosh, nasal rinsing, or sinus rinsing, should always be done using sterilised and uncontaminated water. Sterile water refers to clean water that is free from microbes and contaminants. This does not include tap water, which, according to the FDA, is not safe for use as a nasal rinse as it is not properly filtered or treated.
"Some tap water contains low levels of organisms, such as bacteria and protozoa, including amoebas, that may be safe to swallow because stomach acid kills them. But in your nose, these organisms can stay alive in nasal passages and cause potentially serious infections," the health body warns.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of these infections, such as Naegleria fowleri infection, can even be fatal in rare cases.
Another common infection associated with this nasal rinse with unsterilised tap water is the acanthamoeba infection, which is caused by the acanthamoeba and poses a serious threat to the brain and spinal cord.
What Is Naegleria Fowleri Infection?
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Naegleria fowleri infection is an infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba called Naegleria fowleri that enters the brain through the nose and infects the central nervous system.
As per the CDC, the amoeba thrives in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs, which is why swimming in these bodies of water can increase the risk. In certain cases, infections have also occurred due to nasal rinsing with tap water, the US health body reports.
A few cases of this life-threatening condition were reported in India, where it claimed the lives of young teenage children in the state of Kerala.
Medically termed Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), the infection is said to travel up the nose and to the brain, leading to symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
How To Indulge In Nasal Rinsing Safely
The recommended guidelines for safely preparing water for nasal rinsing are as follows:
- Use distilled, sterilised, and filtered water.
- Avoid tap water; however, if tap water is used, one must boil the water properly to kill the microbes.
- Use a saline solution for the rinsing.
- Use a clean squeeze bottle, bulb syringe, or neti pot.
- Always use lukewarm water for nasal rinsing.
Here’s how you can safely perform nasal cleansing:
- Start by preparing distilled, sterilised, filtered, or boiled water, which is always a better and safer option than using tap water for nasal rinsing.
- Take a suitable position and rest one's head on one side to prevent water from entering the mouth.
- Breathe through the mouth while pouring the water in.
- Always wash your hands before practising it.
- Use a clean and completely dry device.
- Most importantly, speak with your physician if you have any doubts about the procedure.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]